When New Drinks Packaging is Required

When New Drinks Packaging is Required

REAL Naturally Fermented Sparking Teas are refreshing and sophisticated; these non-alcoholic alternatives to Champagne and Sparkling Wines are served in some of our country’s finest restaurants, bars and shops. REAL has been a long-standing customer of Aylesbury Box Company, so they approached us for advice when updating their outer box; they wanted to refresh their drinks packaging design.

What is Sparkling Tea?

Sparkling tea is a world away from a hot cuppa. The natural fermentation process brings out fresh, fragrant and complex flavours from superior quality, loose tea leaves. The result is a drink that has all of the flavour and complexity you’d expect in a fine wine, without the alcohol. It’s the perfect accompaniment to fine dining, but without the hangover or calories. Just look at some of the reviews from customers:

“Love the fullness of taste. So refreshing and feels special on the tongue. Just like a good bottle of wine or bubbly. Can’t wait to order more.”

“REAL sparkling tea is fermented using the natural flavour from quality tea leaves. It does a great job replacing sparkling wines I use to love”

“It’s been a great alcohol alternative for me whilst I’ve been pregnant! Really tasty and morish. Good to know it’s such a healthy drink too. Dry Dragon is my favourites.”

REAL Naturally Fermented Sparkling Tea is on the drinks menu at renowned restaurants including The Fat Duck, Le Gavroche and Clove Club. In addition, it is available in Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and many independent food and drinks retailers across the UK.

If you are intrigued by the process, then REAL is offering tastings & tours of their new Fermentery, which is located on the stunning Waddesdon Estate. It’s fascinating to learn about the detailed fermentation process they go through and compare the taste the loose-leaf teas with the finished Sparkling Wine alternative.

Advice on Packaging Design

The original outer packaging design for REAL was a white box with a small logo, but it was time for a change. The team wanted functional, craft board boxes that would also reflect the brand’s values around sustainability. As with the product, they wanted natural, yet impactful, printed packaging.

REAL bottles are sold individually and in boxes of 6 or 12 bottles. Additionally, the company has recently introduced 250ml cans. As a result, a range of sufficiently robust boxes was needed to safely ship the full range to stockists and direct to customers.

Sustainable Drinks Packaging

Fortunately, we are an FSC® certified packaging manufacturer, providing evidence of supply chain sustainability. Our cardboard boxes are made from a high percentage of recycled material and are fully recyclable and biodegradable. In addition, we are actively working towards net zero production and we are located just a short drive from REAL, which minimises transport miles.

Account Manager Helen visited the REAL team for a creative packaging planning session. A range of box designs and finish options were shared and discussed. As a result, an informed decision about the best solutions could be made.

The deadline for the new drinks packaging was tight, but Rhys and our production team pulled out all of the stops to get the full range manufactured and delivered on time.

“I was impressed by how responsive Aylesbury Box Company were. It was a collaborative process from start to finish and their advice helped us achieve exactly what we wanted. It can be difficult to achieve sustainability goals at commercially viable prices, but we were able to hit our targets. What’s more, our order was quite urgent, but the boxes were delivered, as agreed, last week. We’re just assembling the first batch ready for distributing stock.”

– Racheal, REAL

Buckinghamshire Packaging Company

Buckinghamshire is a hub of small, independent businesses that are creating wonderful products. If you are managing one of them and would like packaging advice, samples and quotes, get in touch with our helpful team on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk.